For months I have been wanting to make this post after I made the switch last March from tampons and liners to a menstruation cup. I hated pads, they always felt like I was wearing a diaper. Not to mention in the summer, when it’s hot and sweaty. Ew, no thanks. Tampons did make my periods better and gave me more freedom but there were times they were just uncomfortable, like inside and they can leak. Liners where for the days I knew it will be starting or at the end.

Soo what is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup is a type of reusable feminine hygiene product. It’s a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect period fluid.

How to use a menstrual cup

If you’re interested in using a menstrual cup, talk with your gynecologist. You can buy one on online or in most stores, you need to find out what size you need. Most menstrual cup brands have a small and large size.

To figure out the right menstrual cup size for you, you and your doctor should consider:

• your age
• length of your cervix
• whether or not you have a heavy flow
• firmness and flexibility of the cup
• cup capacity
• strength of your pelvic floor muscles
• if you’ve given birth vaginally

Smaller menstrual cups are usually recommended for women younger than 30 years old who haven’t delivered vaginally. Larger sizes are often recommended for women who are over 30 years old, have given birth vaginally, or have a heavier period.

Before you put in your menstrual cup

When you use a menstrual cup for the first time, it may feel uncomfortable. Before you put in your cup, lubricate the rim with water or a water-based lube (lubricant). A wet menstrual cup is much easier to insert.

How to put in your menstrual cup

If you can put in a tampon, you should find it easy to insert a menstrual cup. Just follow these steps :

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Apply water or a water-based lube to the rim of the cup.
3. Tightly fold the menstrual cup in half, holding it in one hand with the rim facing up.
4. Insert the cup, rim up, into your vagina like you would a tampon without an applicator. It should sit a few inches below your cervix.
5. Once the cup is in your vagina, rotate it. It will spring open to create an airtight seal that stops leaks.

You shouldn’t feel your menstrual cup if you’ve inserted the cup correctly. You should also be able to move, jump, sit, stand, and do other everyday activities without your cup falling out. If you’re having trouble putting in your cup, speak with your doctor.

When to take your menstrual cup out

You can wear a menstrual cup for 6 to 12 hours, depending on whether or not you have a heavy flow. This means you can use a cup for overnight protection.

You should always remove your menstrual cup by the 12-hour mark. If it becomes full before then, you’ll have to empty it ahead of schedule to avoid leaks.

How to take your menstrual cup out

To take out a menstrual cup, just follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Place your index finger and thumb into your vagina. Pull the stem of the cup gently until you can reach the base.
3. Pinch the base to release the seal and pull down to remove the cup.
4. Once it’s out, empty the cup into the sink or toilet.
5. Rise well and make sure to clean any groves.

Cup aftercare

Reusable menstrual cups should be washed and wiped clean before being reinserted into your vagina. Your cup should be emptied at least twice a day. Reusable menstrual cups are durable and can last for 6 months to 10 years with proper care.

How much does it cost?

Menstrual cups are more cost-effective than tampons and pads. You can pay roughly $20 to $40 for a cup and not have to purchase another one for at least six months. Tampons and pads can cost up to $50 to $150 a year, depending on how often, long, and heavy your period is.

My thoughts

Since I have made the switch to my Diva Cup. Holy Balls! It has been a life changing experience. I hardly feel the cup, once I trimmed the stem and it settles in. Honesty I forget sometime I have my period. The best part, absolutely no leaks. Let me say that again. No Leaks. Nothing. You can wear your cute undies and not worry about ruining them. Or the bed sheets. Unless it wasn’t inserted right. Which does happen sometimes and is easy to fix by reinserting.

I have also saved so much money since buying and switching from tampons and liners to my diva cup. You also save on creating zero waste for the environment, since it is reusable. There is much lower chance of Toxic Shock Syndrome, since it is being collected and not absorbed. I really only have to empty it once in the morning and once before bed. I love mine. I can’t express it enough.

I will admit I still have liners tampons leftover from when I was using them and I had stocked up on them. I gave a majority of them to family members. I did keep some for my purse just in case my period starts early and I happen to be out and bout. Since last March I’ve only had to use them once, because it decided to start like 3-4 early and I don’t like the idea of tossing my cup in my purse, even in its little bag or wearing it days before.

I have said this before but I love mine. It was worth the try and switching. I will never go back to tampons. Ever. I feel any one with a vagina should at lest give a mensural cup a try.

Thanks for reading!